January 12, 2012

NO CONTAMINATED TISSUE BOX COVERS SOLD IN NASSAU COUNTY
Two Tissue Box Covers were Removed and Secured from Bed, Bath & Beyond

Uniondale, NY – Nassau County Department of Health was advised by the New York State Department of Health that two metal tissue box covers containing low levels of cobalt-60 radioactive material were shipped to the Bed, Bath & Beyond store in Westbury. The Department inspected the store and assured that both tissue box covers were removed and secured to a safe location. In addition, the Nassau County Department of Health inspected all six Bed, Bath & Beyond locations in Nassau County to confirm that there was no inventory of this item in any of these stores.

New York State Department of Health announced today that all twelve (12) metal tissue box holders that were shipped to four (4) Bed, Bath & Beyond stores in New York State have been identified and removed from the shelves. Cobalt-60 is a man-made product that utilizes the element cobalt. It has many uses, including sterilizing medical equipment and is a source for leveling devices and thickness gauges used during the production of metal products. It has been used for many years in radiation therapy for cancer patients. The level of radiation exposure from holding this product against body for one hour would be equivalent to a chest X-ray.

“I am proud of the proactive response by the various Nassau County Departments who took immediate action to protect the health and safety of the residents of Nassau County,” said Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano.

“The presence or handling of these boxes poses no imminent public health threat,” said County Health Commissioner Lawrence Eisenstein, M.D.

The product is Dual Ridge Boutique model number DR9M. Bed, Bath & Beyond has posted information on these products on Bedbathandbeyond.com. Any questions from customers should be directed to Bed, Bath & Beyond at 1-800-462-3966.